Benthic foraminifera assemblages as elemental pollution bioindicator in marine sediments around fish farm (Vrgada Island, Central Adriatic, Croatia).

Effects on sediments of fish farming activity near Vrgada Island was analysed through living and total foraminiferal assemblages and concentration of major, minor and trace elements from three sediment cores. Elemental concentrations of sediments are in accordance with carbonate characteristics of the surrounding area and show mostly natural element variations between sampling locations and throughout the cores, with no significant increases due to fish farming activity. Only phosphorus concentration shows elevate values below the fish cage, assigned to fish pellets.

Element levels in cultured and wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) from the Adriatic Sea and potential risk assessment.

In this study, the role of aquaculture activity as a source of selected metals was analyzed. Significant differences in element content between cultured (Dicentrarchus labrax, Sparus aurata) and wild fishes as well as between fish muscle and their feed were detected. Higher concentrations of trace elements (i.

Major, minor and trace element content derived from aquacultural activity of marine sediments (Central Adriatic, Croatia).

Introduction And Purpose: Studies examining the environmental impact of marine aquaculture have increased significantly in number during the last few decades. The present paper investigates a region of rapid growth in intensive aquaculture and its influence on the local marine ecosystem.

Discussion: This study was undertaken with the specific aim of assessing the effect of fish farming on marine sediment at a farm near the island of Vrgada in the Central Adriatic.